Associate in Applied Science inOccupational Therapy Assistant
Why Occupational Therapy Assistant
Make a difference in people’s lives with a career as an Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA). OTAs collaborate with occupational therapists to support individuals across the lifespan—from birth to end of life—helping them regain independence and improve their physical, emotional and mental well-being.
Through our program, you’ll learn key skills in rehabilitation, therapeutic techniques and holistic care. Hands-on clinical training prepares you to assist individuals, groups and communities in achieving their goals.
With growing demand and diverse job opportunities, becoming an OTA offers a rewarding, in-demand career.
21%
Growth rate for occupational therapy assistants (2023-2033)
Bureau of Labor statistics, Occupational Outlook, 2023 data.
Careers for Occupational Therapy Assistants
OTAs are employed at:
- Hospitals
- Schools
- Community-based practices
- Clinics
- Skilled nursing facilities
Featured Faculty
Abigail Swidergal Occupational Therapy Asst. Program Director, Assoc. Professor
Requirements
This program is effective Fall 2025. New students applying to Black Hawk College should select the AAS/General Occupational and Technical Studies (GOTS) until such time as they have been officially accepted by the department into this program.
Admission Requirements
The admissions packet and application will be available Spring 2025.
Graduation Requirements
Students must successfully complete all required general education and OTA-specific courses, including successful completion of all fieldwork experiences, as outlined in the OTA Handbook to be eligible to graduate from the program.
Licensure Requirements
Students who graduate will be eligible to sit for the NBCOT Certification Exam. A passing score is required to apply for state licensure in order to practice in all fifty states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico and Guam.
Cost of Attendance
In-district Cost
| Expense Type | Fall 2025 | Spring 2026 | Academic Year 2025-26 | Full Program |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition ($164/credit hour) | $2,624 | $2,132 | $4,756 | $10,660 |
| Lab fees ($75/credit hour in core classes) | $225 | $750 | $975 | $3,675 |
| Books | $600 | $600 | $1,200 | $1,800 |
| Parking tags | $25 | $25 | $50 | $125 |
| Approximate overall cost | $3,474 | $3,507 | $6,981 | $16,633 |
Accreditation
The Black Hawk College Associate in Applied Science Occupational Therapy Assistant program has applied for accreditation by the
Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA)
7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E
Bethesda, MD 20814
Phone: 301-652-AOTA
www.acoteonline.org
The program must be granted Candidacy Status, have a pre-accreditation review, complete an on-site evaluation, and be granted Accreditation Status before its graduates will be eligible to sit for the national certification examination for the occupational therapy assistant administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After successful completion of this exam, the individual will be a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA). In addition, all states require licensure to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination. A felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure.
Health and Human Services News
BHC 5K Hustle raises $5,800 for PTA scholarships
The 2024 Black Hawk College 5K Hustle raised more than $5,800 to provide scholarships for students in the BHC Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Program.
Contact
Quad-Cities Campus
309-796-5341 or
309-796-5000
East Campus
309-854-1724